Wee Care Montessori Duarte

Hi All... If you're looking for a place to take your infant / pre-k child, this is a great school! I read the previous (poorly reviewed) post and agree with some points such as old toys and paint however, the doors are locked. I have an infant and a pre-k child at this school and haven't had an issue feeling my child was in danger of being too accessible to the public. Usually (99.9% of the time I've shown up to pick up my kids) a care giver opens the doors for me and in the evening (after 5pm) the children waiting for pick-up are in the main room with more than one care giver supervising. Ms. Rose the director, is a very understanding woman who nurtures my children's home practices while helping (in my daughter's case) her develop into an elementary age student. A couple useful tidbits for parents with infants: The cribs are old fashioned but I wouldn't say dirty. The table where the infants are placed to sit and eat is safe and no more "constricting" than a high chair. There is a large enough room, away from the toddlers and pre-k kids, for the babies to play and work on their motor skills. There is also a separate outdoor play area for the infants who are able to walk and begin climbing. I am given a "daily report out" on my son's activities. The report tells me what time he ate, slept, played, went #1 and #2 and whether he needs clothes, blankets, etc. Also the providers really seem to love my baby boy and the sentiment feels returned from him. Next for parents with pre-k kids: I love that Ms. Rose is a big champion for LEARNING! Not just coloring and doing arts and crafts, but real learning. My daughter is 4 years old and can write her first and last name, numbers up to 100, and is beginning to read (from books, not just words with pictures above them), she can recite her continents when looking at a globe and she knows her planets and their characteristics. I've paid money for my daughter to be watched all day while I'm at work, but at Little Scholars I genuinely feel that I am investing in my daughter and giving her a real head start for her next phase. Onto the physical and fun aspect, because that is important for this age group. On top of the usual "go outside and play," Little Scholars arranges different activities for the kids. Mondays - a dance teacher comes in for a dance class. Usually these routines are performed at the winter/holiday recital and a summer recital. Wednesdays - the kids have a "share day" with each other. Thursdays - a sports group comes in to play with/coach the kids for an hour. The sports vary from bball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and others.

So, while it isn't the prettiest school, it is a remarkable organization. I whole heartedly appreciate these ladies and their dedication to caring for my children and their friends every day.

One of the hardest parts of being a new parent was entrusting someone to care for my new and precious 15-week old baby regularly instead of me. Meeting Miss Rose, the Director at Little Scholars Montessori, and her highly qualified team in 2008 changed all of that. Our family was beyond fortunate to have the school practically in our backyard for the past five years. We have met many quality individuals there and it gave us great comfort to have the team to rely on, helping us raise our two sons.

They supported my parenting style - cloth diapers, lunchtime breastfeeding and homemade baby food - and I am forever grateful. My five year old son gained the most in his time at Little Scholars Montessori. The quality of instruction exceeded our expectations time and again, surpassed only by the quality of care. He is going into kindergarten knowing all of the planets, the alphabet, continents, Spanish up to 20 and the colors, reading, writing his and his brother's name, doing basic addition and the list goes on.

Pulling the boys out of school was a very difficult decision as part of our recent move across the across the country. Had we not moved, Little Scholars Montessori would have remained our top choice for infant care, preschool, and after school care for years to come. Even though we came this far for my husband’s family, the team at Little Scholars Montessori is part of our family too.